Ages 2 1/2 to 5

Visit us any morning.

For information contact:

Jean M. Williams, Director

(973) 743-5596 ext. 13, days

(973) 748-2877, evenings

The Pilgrim Nursery School is a community service of the Glen Ridge Congregational Church.  It has been part of its outreach program for over 46 years.  Admission is open to all children on a non-sectarian basis.  The school is governed by a Board that includes representation from both the Church body and parents.

Philosophy

Pilgrim believes in letting pre-school children progress at their own rate, promoting feelings of successfulness and a minimum of struggle or inadequateness.  This builds self-confidence and a sense of self-worth.  Children must feel secure and happy in their school environment.  We believe in the philosophy of learning through observation and involvement.  Children are exposed to many experiences and encouraged to communicate with their classmates and teachers.  Verbalizing with persons other than family or close friends is an important beginning to learning and living.  Nothing is more important at Pilgrim than helping your child feel self-confident, secure and happy.  Later success in public school and in life are closely related to the development that occurs between the ages of 2 1/2 and 5.  We are proud of the fact that the parents of some of our children are alumni of the Pilgrim Nursery School!

Accreditation

Pilgrim Nursery School is licensed by the State of New Jersey.  The School is inspected regularly by representatives from both the State of New Jersey and the local Health and Fire Departments.  Licenses must be renewed every three years and inspections are yearly.

Admission

Children are accepted by Pilgrim from the age of 2 1/2 to 5 inclusive.  Classes are organized by age level.  There is a five day program for all age levels; an optional three day program is offered for children 2 1/2 years.  There is a special morning enrichment program for children who attend afternoon Pre-Kindergarten or Kindergarten classes.

Staff

The greatest asset of Pilgrim (next to its children) is its dedicated staff which collectively boasts over 60 years of teaching experience.  All teachers are respected members of the community.  A low student-teacher ratio is maintained in all classes.  State licensing requirements for early childhood education are met for student-teacher ratios and teacher employment.

Facilities

Next to the staff, the greatest strength of Pilgrim is the wonderful facility it offers its children.  The Playground is one of the finest in the State of New Jersey.  All rooms are large, bright and airy.  Each room has a wide variety of interesting and carefully tested equipment.

Calendar and Schedule

The School generally follows the public school calendar.  Pilgrim shares many of its wonderful happenings with parents.  Annually we have a Halloween Song Fest, a Thanksgiving "Feast" which includes homemade soup and cookies prepared by the children, a Holiday Program, and the Pilgrim Olympics.  Every child in our Olympics  is awarded a medal for his/her participation.

Tuition

Pilgrim Nursery School is a non-profit institution.  Tuition is set as low as possible each year to cove costs.  A special feature of Pilgrim's tuition policy is the "no-inflation" guarantee.  Your child's tuition will never be more than it was during the year when she/he first enrolls.